On February 28, 2025, the Horizon 2020 research project "SMART BEAR" reached its conclusion. SMART BEAR aimed to promote healthy aging through the use of cutting-edge technologies in people's daily lives. BD4QoL partner ARIA SpA, together with other healthcare and research institutions in Lombardy, contributed to the project.
Among its achievements, SMART BEAR led to the development of a platform designed to integrate heterogeneous sensors, assistive medical and mobile devices to continuously collect data from the daily lives of elderly participants. This platform, using smart devices equipped with sensors, big data analysis, and machine learning capabilities, measured users' vital parameters, analysed the collected data, and generated insights to provide personalised recommendations aimed at promoting independence and encouraging the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
The platform was tested and validated on a large scale, involving approximately 3,000 people across six countries: Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Greece, and Romania. The target group consisted of men and women aged 65 to 80, with two or more non-severe specific health conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, balance disorders, and cognitive deficits.
SMART BEAR represents a significant step towards the adoption of innovative technological solutions to improve the quality of life for elderly people, with the potential for positive impacts on both individual health and overall healthcare costs. The project has provided valuable experience that will be needed to improve care pathways, generate trust and awareness for digital health solutions, and benefit from a wealth of insights for the design of new innovative solutions.
The use of digital solutions, patient empowerment, and attention to quality of life indicators are key elements that align the BD4QoL project with other research and innovation initiatives, such as SMART BEAR, and highlight their importance in improving patients' health and advancing their treatment processes.
For more information, please visit: https://www.smart-bear.eu/
